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"He could have tried it on with one of the females, who knows, but they looked angry and pounced as if they are going in for the kill.

"It was incredible to watch the king of the jungle looking so vulnerable. In the photos you can see him almost pleading for help.

"He had bite marks and cuts on his back legs, he was pretty messed up. It's something you'd be lucky to see in Kenya, yet alone a British safari park.

"You could see car windows going up and almost hear doors locking as it happened, it was just really intense to watch and listen to the roars.

"We went back around later in the day and the females were nowhere to be seen so they must have ushered them all indoors to protect the three males.

"It was quite an experience which really took your breath away. I never expected to see anything like that. You could see the terror in his eyes."

(Image: Mya Beverstock / SWNS.com)

A safari park spokesman said: "The male lions have been in the process of being mixed with the females for a few months now.

"This has been going well and there was no reason to believe that there would be any issues yesterday as a result of mixing. As with all wild animals, normally harmonious groups can on occasion become particularly active.

"This is constantly monitored closely by trained staff who are always in the enclosure when guests are too and will intervene if necessary.

"There was an experienced member of staff within the enclosure and at no time were guests in any danger."